Daoism

This woodcut illustration from a 1550 edition of the Yi Jing (Book of Changes) depicts four allegorical scenes associated with the Qian hexagram. The images—a man climbing a ladder, a deer in the clouds, a craftsman carving jade, and a mountain—serve as visual aids for interpreting the hexagram's meaning of strength, creativity, and success.

This woodcut portrait depicts Zhang Daoling, the legendary founder of the Way of the Celestial Masters, a major branch of Taoism. He is shown in a contemplative pose, gazing up at a constellation, symbolizing his connection to the celestial realms and his mastery over spiritual forces. The image is from the 1609 encyclopedia 'Sancai Tuhui', reflecting the Ming Dynasty's interest in documenting religious and historical figures.

This illustration depicts a vibrant red mythical creature, likely a type of dragon or auspicious beast from East Asian folklore. Its dynamic pose and detailed features reflect the rich tradition of mythological storytelling and symbolic imagery found in historical manuscripts.

This woodcut illustration accompanies the text for the 'Gou' hexagram (天風姤) in a 1550 edition of the Yi Jing. It depicts a group of figures in traditional Ming-era attire, possibly representing a meeting or an encounter, which is central to the hexagram's meaning of 'coming to meet'. The inclusion of a deer in the upper corner adds a layer of symbolic meaning, often associated with prosperity or official status in Chinese iconography.

This woodcut depicts the legendary figure Xiao Shi, a master of the vertical flute (xiao) from the Spring and Autumn period. According to legend, his music was so beautiful that it could attract phoenixes, as shown here with the mythical bird descending from the sky. This illustration is from the 'Sancai Tuhui,' a comprehensive Ming dynasty encyclopedia.

A golden dragon is shown emerging from or soaring above stylized clouds, a common motif representing celestial power and divine presence. The use of bright pigments and fluid lines characterizes the sophisticated illustrative style used to depict legendary creatures in early modern printed works.